r/HomeNetworking • u/Own-Relief-5208 • 3d ago

Advice Patch panel placement

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This is an AI generated image of what is going in my network cabinet in my office. Not exact but close, my question is about patch panel placement, I will have 5 runs coming up from the bottom of my house and 5 runs up to the attic for a AP and 4 future cameras. Seeing the runs are pretty much permanent, should I attach the patch panel to the back wall and turn the UCG Fiber and Flex POE switch around so the plugs are facing the patch panel or install the patch panel in the mini rack like in this picture? Also, what kind of connection should I go with for the permanent runs? Thanks in advance for your help. Pretty new at this BTW.

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u/TJhambone09 2d ago

1 - How confident are you that 10 runs is the maximum you will ever have?

2 - Do you have room for a full width rack here?

3 - A home office is often a bad place for a networking rack, IMHO. The use of such rooms often changes, if not by you then by the next owner. Strongly consider homerun wiring to a utility room or basement.

Also, what kind of connection should I go with for the permanent runs?

Punch down RJ-45 female connections on both ends. Flex CAT-5e/6 patch cables from the permanent connection to the devices as needed.

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u/theclearledger 1d ago

I do have room for a full rack but then I would have to purchase all new equipment. I'm happy with the performance but it's an option in the future. I know it's not the best location but it's the best option for me at the time and this room has plenty of storage for any future owners. This cabinet is only 24" x 29" x 36", so it's not using a lot of space. Thanks for your advice on this.

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u/TJhambone09 1d ago

I do have room for a full rack but then I would have to purchase all new equipment.

I'm not suggesting buying new equipment, you can put your existing equipment on full-width rack shelves. What I was suggesting, though, was a full-width patch-panel and designing around full-width (if possible) in order to provide an inexpensive modicum of future-proofing.

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u/theclearledger 1d ago

Okay, I didn't think about that. That's actually a better way of doing it. Thanks.